Marguerite Esters Cothorn

"Marguerite
has 'presence,' an undefinable dignity which inspires respect
and admiration from everyone who has the privilege of meeting
her."
Mary A. Grefe

Marguerite
Esters Cothorn, born in Albia, Iowa in 1909, has been involved
in human services, voluntarism, and music for more than 40 years.
She was the first African American to be offered a four-year
violin scholarship at Drake University, where she obtained a
B.A. and an advanced degree in sociology. In 1954, she completed
her second advanced degree, an M.A. in social work from The University
of Iowa with a minor in psychology. Throughout her career, she
focused on developing and organizing community-centered volunteer
services and programs. In 1965, she was appointed to the United
Way of Central Iowa. As Associate Director of Planning, she was
reportedly the first African-American executive of a United Way
Agency nationwide. She organized and directed the Des Moines
Volunteer Bureau and Retired Senior Volunteer Program and set
precedents for correcting the under-utilization of food stamps
by elders. Her volunteer service has included the state Republican
Party and the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Cothorn formally
retired in 1973 but continues to be a strong and effective leader
on several boards and commissions. Cothorn was inducted into
the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1986.

UPDATE: Cothorn served on the Governor's Volunteer Advisory
Council, was appointed spokesperson on Women's issues for the
American Association of Retired Persons, served as member of
Broadlawns Medical Center Study Committee, and chaired the Study
Committee on Des Moines International Airport. Cothorn served
over 10 years on the Board of Des Moines Playground and Recreation
Association. She continued to be active with the League of Women
Voters until her death in 1999.